CMI Marine Accident Investigation Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the 'change analysis' technique, investigators compare the accident sequence to a normal reference case in order to:
- Determine the dollar value of the loss
- Identify deviations from normal operations that contributed to the accident (Correct answer)
- Establish the chain of command at the time of the accident
- Calculate the time elapsed between each causal event
Correct answer: Identify deviations from normal operations that contributed to the accident
Change analysis highlights differences between what actually occurred and how the operation should have proceeded, helping pinpoint contributing deviations.
Question 2: When an investigator obtains a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) from a casualty vessel, which immediate action is most critical?
- Replaying the audio on the ship's bridge speakers to confirm content
- Securing and preserving the protected capsule and making a forensic copy before any playback (Correct answer)
- Uploading the data to the USCG MIS database within 24 hours
- Transcribing bridge audio using the ship's crew as translators
Correct answer: Securing and preserving the protected capsule and making a forensic copy before any playback
The VDR capsule must be secured immediately and a forensic copy made to prevent data degradation or accidental overwriting before official analysis.
Question 3: The SHELL model used in marine human factors investigation represents which set of elements?
- Safety, Hazard, Environment, Liveware, Logistics
- Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware, Liveware (Correct answer)
- Standards, Hierarchy, Equipment, Liability, Licensing
- Systems, Hardware, Ergonomics, Legality, Leadership
Correct answer: Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware, Liveware
The SHELL model (Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware-center, Liveware-other) maps interactions between human operators and all system components to identify human factors gaps.
Question 4: Which principle governs the sharing of a Safety Investigation Report between the flag state and a substantially interested state under the 2008 Casualty Investigation Code?
- The flag state may withhold the report indefinitely at its discretion
- Draft reports must be circulated to substantially interested states for comment before finalization (Correct answer)
- Only the IMO Secretary-General receives a copy
- Substantially interested states must submit written requests within 30 days
Correct answer: Draft reports must be circulated to substantially interested states for comment before finalization
The 2008 Casualty Investigation Code requires that draft safety investigation reports be sent to substantially interested states for review and comment prior to publication.
Question 5: A 'proximate cause' in a marine accident investigation is best described as:
- The root systemic failure that initiated the accident chain
- The immediate direct cause that produced the harmful outcome (Correct answer)
- A contributing factor that increased the severity of the accident
- An administrative failure by the vessel's management company
Correct answer: The immediate direct cause that produced the harmful outcome
The proximate cause is the final, direct act or condition that immediately produced the casualty, distinct from underlying root causes.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'go-team' rapid deployment in major marine casualty investigations?
- To provide emergency salvage services to the stricken vessel
- To reach the scene quickly and preserve perishable evidence before it is altered or lost (Correct answer)
- To liaise with next-of-kin of casualties within 48 hours
- To coordinate media relations and public statements
Correct answer: To reach the scene quickly and preserve perishable evidence before it is altered or lost
Go-teams deploy rapidly to preserve time-sensitive physical evidence, conduct immediate witness interviews, and document the scene before conditions change.
Question 7: Under 46 USC 6301, a marine employer's failure to conduct a required chemical testing following a serious marine incident is subject to:
- A warning letter with no monetary penalty
- Civil penalties up to $35,000 per violation (Correct answer)
- Immediate revocation of the company's operating license
- Criminal prosecution only if fatalities occurred
Correct answer: Civil penalties up to $35,000 per violation
46 USC 6301 authorizes civil penalties up to $35,000 per violation against marine employers who fail to conduct post-incident chemical testing as required.
CMI Marine Accident Investigation Procedures 3
In the 'change analysis' technique, investigators compare the accident sequence to a normal reference case in order to: